Automated diagnostic analyzers having vertically arranged carousels and related methods

ABSTRACT

Example automated diagnostic analyzers and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. An example apparatus described herein includes a first carousel rotatably coupled to a base and having a first axis of rotation. The example apparatus includes a second carousel rotatably coupled to the base and vertically spaced over the first carousel such that at least a portion of the second carousel is disposed over the first carousel. In the example apparatus, the second carousel has a second axis of rotation and a plurality of vessels. The example apparatus also includes a pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. The example pipetting mechanism is to access the first carousel and the second carousel.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/240,105 know U.S. Pat. No. 10,775,398), titled “AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTICANALYZERS HAVING VERTICALLY ARRANGED CAROUSELS AND RELATED METHODS,”filed Jan. 4, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/218,833 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,197,585), titled “AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTICANALYZERS HAVING VERTICALLY ARRANGED CAROUSELS AND RELATED METHODS,”filed Jul. 25, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No. 14/213,018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,400,285), titled “AUTOMATEDDIAGNOSTIC ANALYZERS HAVING VERTICALLY ARRANGED CAROUSELS AND RELATEDMETHODS,” filed Mar. 14, 2014, which claims priority to and the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/794,060, titled “AUTOMATEDDIAGNOSTIC ANALYZERS HAVING VERTICALLY ARRANGED CAROUSELS AND RELATEDMETHODS,” filed Mar. 15, 2013. U.S. application Ser. No. 16/240,105;U.S. application Ser. No. 15/218,833; U.S. application Ser. No.14/213,018; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/794,060 areincorporated herein by this reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to automated diagnosticanalyzers and, more particularly, to automated diagnostic analyzershaving vertically arranged carousels and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Automated diagnostic analyzers employ multiple carousels and multiplepipetting mechanisms to automatically aspirate fluid from and dispensefluid to different areas in the analyzer to perform diagnostic analysisprocedures. The carousels may include a carousel for reaction vessels, acarousel for samples and/or a carousel for reagents. By arrangingmultiple containers on the respective carousels, these known analyzersare capable of conducting multiple tests on multiple test samples as thecarousels rotate. Some known carousels are arranged in a coplanarorientation, and a number of different modules or stations are disposedaround the carousels to perform specific functions such as, for example,mixing the contents of a reaction vessel, washing a reaction vesseland/or a pipette, incubating a test sample, and analyzing the contentsof a reaction vessel. Due to the multiple coplanar carousels and thenumber of modules and stations, these known automated clinical analyzerstypically require a relatively large space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view of example components ofan example diagnostic analyzer having stacked carousels in accordancewith the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an example diagnostic analyzer incorporatingthe example components of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded front side view of the example componentsof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the example diagnostic analyzer of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a schematic a plan view of an example diagnostic analyzer withan alternative carousel configuration.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example processing system for theexample analyzers shown in FIGS. 1-5 .

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example diagnostic testingprocess.

FIG. 8 is a timeline illustrating timing sequences of various componentsin the example analyzer shown in FIGS. 1-4 .

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a processor platform that may be used with theexamples disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and disclosedin detail below. In describing these examples, like or identicalreference numbers are used to identify the same or similar elements. Thefigures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certainviews of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematicfor clarity and/or conciseness. Additionally, several examples have beendescribed throughout this specification. Any features from any examplemay be included with, a replacement for, or otherwise combined withother features from other examples.

Diagnostics laboratories employ diagnostic instruments such as those fortesting and analyzing specimens or samples including, for example,clinical chemistry analyzers, immunoassay analyzers and hematologyanalyzers. Specimens and biological samples are analyzed to, forexample, check for the presence or absence of an item of interestincluding, for example, a specific region of DNA, mitochondrial DNA, aspecific region of RNA, messenger RNA, transfer RNA, mitochondrial RNA,a fragment, a complement, a peptide, a polypeptide, an enzyme, a prion,a protein, an antibody, an antigen, an allergen, a part of a biologicalentity such as a cell or a viron, a surface protein, and/or functionalequivalent(s) of the above. Specimens such as a patient's body fluids(e.g., serum, whole blood, urine, swabs, plasma, cerebra-spinal fluid,lymph fluids, tissue solids) can be analyzed using a number of differenttests to provide information about the patient's health.

Generally, analysis of a test sample involves the reaction of testsamples with one or more reagents with respect to one or more analytes.The reaction mixtures are analyzed by an apparatus for one or morecharacteristics such as, for example, the presence and/or concentrationof a certain analyte in the test sample. Use of automated diagnosticanalyzers improves the efficiency of the laboratory procedures becausethe technician (e.g., an operator) has fewer tasks to perform and, thus,the potential for operator or technician error is reduced. In addition,automated diagnostic analyzers also provide results much more rapidlyand with increased accuracy and repeatability.

Automated diagnostic analyzers use multiple pipettes to move liquidsbetween storage containers (e.g., receptacles such as open topped tubes)and containers in which the specimens are to be processed (e.g.,reaction vessels). For example, a specimen may be contained in a tubeloaded in a rack on an analyzer, and a head carrying a pipette moves thepipette into the tube where a vacuum is applied to extract a selectedamount of the specimen from the tube into the pipette. The head retractsthe pipette from the tube and moves to another tube or reaction vessellocated at a processing station and deposits the extracted specimen fromthe pipette into the reaction vessel. A reagent is similarly acquiredfrom a reagent supply.

The example automated diagnostic analyzers disclosed herein position afirst carousel (e.g., a reaction carousel, a reagent carousel, a samplecarousel) above at least a portion of a second carousel (e.g., areaction carousel, a reagent carousel, a sample carousel) to reduce labspace, increase throughput and decrease sample testing time (e.g.,turnaround time). The example automated diagnostic analyzers also locateone or more pipetting mechanism(s) within the outer diameters of one ofmore of the carousels to further reduce the dimensions (e.g., thefootprint) of the analyzer and decrease the distanced traveled by therespective pipetting mechanisms. The example automated diagnosticanalyzers can simultaneously perform two or more tests on a plurality oftest samples in a continuous and random access fashion. Test steps suchas aspirating/dispensing, incubations, washes and specimen dilution areperformed automatically by the instrument as scheduled. By utilizingvertically arranged or stacked carousels, the foot print or floor spacerequired for the overall system is reduced. Additionally, the distancedtraveled by the pipetting mechanism is also reduced, which decreasesturnaround time and, thus, increases the throughput of the exampleanalyzer. For example, in some examples, the example analyzers disclosedherein perform up to about 956 tests per hour. Further, because thecarousels are stacked vertically, carousels with larger diameters and,thus, higher capacity than known analyzers may be incorporated into theexample analyzers. The higher capacity analyzers occupy less space thanlower capacity analyzers that have a coplanar carousel configuration.The example analyzers with smaller footprints, higher throughputs andshorter turnaround times are advantageous to the operations ofhospitals, laboratories, and other research facilities that utilizediagnostic analyzers.

An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first carouselrotatably coupled to a base and having a first diameter and a first axisof rotation. The example apparatus includes a second carousel rotatablycoupled to the base and vertically spaced over the first carousel suchthat at least a portion of the second carousel is disposed over thefirst carousel. In the example apparatus, the second carousel has asecond diameter, a second axis of rotation and a plurality of vessels.The example apparatus also includes a first pipetting mechanism offsetfrom the second axis of rotation. The example first pipetting mechanismis to access the first carousel and the second carousel. In someexamples, the example first pipetting mechanism is disposed within thefirst diameter and the second diameter and offset from the second axisof rotation.

In some examples, the first axis of rotation and the second axis areparallel to and offset from each other. In some examples, the seconddiameter is less than the first diameter.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a second pipetting mechanism toaccess the first carousel and the second carousel. In some examples, thesecond pipetting mechanism is disposed within the first diameter andoutside of the second diameter. In some examples, the first carouselcomprises an outer annular array of containers and an inner annulararray of containers concentric with the outer annular array and thefirst pipetting mechanism is to access at least one of the inner annulararray of containers or the vessels, and the second pipetting mechanismto access at least one of the outer annular array of containers or thevessels. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism comprises afirst pipette arm movable (e.g., rotatable) along a first path of travelover a first inner container of the inner annular array of containersand a first vessel of the plurality of vessels. In some such examples,the second pipette mechanism comprises a second pipette arm movable(e.g., rotatable) along a second path of travel over a second outercontainer of the outer annular array of containers and a second vesselof the plurality of vessels. In some examples, the second pipettingmechanism is offset from the first axis of rotation.

In some examples, the apparatus comprises a third pipetting mechanism.In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism is to access only thefirst carousel. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism isdisposed outside of the first diameter and outside of the seconddiameter. In some such examples, the third pipetting mechanism comprisesa third pipette arm movable (e.g., rotatable) along a third path oftravel over a container outside of the first diameter and the seconddiameter and over a third vessel of the plurality of vessels.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a plate coupled to the basedisposed between the first carousel and the second carousel, the secondcarousel being rotatably coupled to the plate. In some such examples,the second pipetting mechanism is coupled to the plate.

In some examples, first carousel further comprises a middle annulararray of containers spaced radially between the outer annular array ofcontainers and the inner annular array of containers.

In some examples, the second carousel is to rotate in a plurality ofintervals, each interval comprising an advancement and a stop. In somesuch examples, the second carousel is operable to rotate approximately90° during the advancement of one of the intervals. In some examples,the second carousel is stationary during the stop of one of theintervals, a duration of the stop being greater than a duration of theadvancement of the interval.

In some examples, the first carousel is to rotate in a plurality ofintervals, each interval comprising an advancement and a stop. In somesuch examples, the first carousel is operable to rotate approximately180° during the advancement of one of the intervals, a duration of theadvancement being about one second of the interval.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a servo motor to rotate one ormore of the first carousel or the second carousel.

In some examples, the outer annular array of containers on the firstcarousel contain a first type of reagent and the inner annular array ofcontainers on the first carousel contain a second type of reagentdifferent than the first type of reagent.

In some examples, the containers of the first carousel are reagentcontainers, and the vessels of the second carousel are reaction vessels.In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism comprises a probe armhaving a vertically descending portion.

In another example disclosed herein, an apparatus includes a reagentcarousel rotatably coupled to a base about a first axis of rotation. Theexample apparatus also includes a reaction carousel rotatably coupled tothe base about a second axis of rotation, the reaction carousel disposedabove the reagent carousel. In addition, the example apparatus includesa first pipette in fluid communication with the reagent carousel and thereaction carousel.

Also, in some examples disclosed herein the example apparatus includes areagent container disposed on the reagent carousel and a reagent in thereagent container. In addition, the example apparatus includes areaction vessel disposed on the reaction carousel. In such examples, thefirst pipette is to aspirate a portion of the reagent from the reagentcontainer, move upward vertically, then dispense the portion of thereagent into the reaction vessel.

In some examples, the example apparatus also includes a second pipetteto aspirate a sample from a sample container apart from the reagentcarousel and the reaction carousel and dispense the sample into thereaction vessel.

An example method disclosed herein includes rotating a first carouselrelative to a base, the first carousel having a first diameter, a firstaxis of rotation, an outer annular array of containers and an innerannular array of containers concentric with the outer annular array. Theexample method includes rotating a second carousel relative to the base,the second carousel having a second diameter, a second axis of rotationand a plurality of vessels and being vertically spaced over the firstcarousel such that at least a portion of the second carousel is disposedover the first carousel. The example method also includes aspirating afirst fluid from a first carousel via a first pipetting mechanism offsetfrom the second axis of rotation. In some examples, the first pipettingmechanism is disposed within the first diameter and within the seconddiameter.

In some examples, the method includes aspirating a second fluid from thefirst carousel via a second pipetting mechanism. In some examples, thesecond pipetting mechanism is disposed within the first diameter anoutside of the second diameter. In some examples, the method alsoincludes accessing at least one of the inner annular array of containersor the vessels with the first pipetting mechanism and accessing at leastone of the outer annular array of containers or the vessels with thesecond pipetting mechanism. In some examples, the method includesrotating a first pipette arm of the first pipetting mechanism along afirst path of travel over a first inner container of the inner annulararray of containers and a first vessel. In some such examples, themethod also includes rotating a second pipette arm of the secondpipetting mechanism along a second path of travel over a first outercontainer of the outer annular array of containers and a second vessel.In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is offset from thefirst axis of rotation.

In some examples, the method includes aspirating a third fluid via athird pipetting mechanism. In some examples, the third pipettingmechanism is disposed outside of the first diameter and outside of thesecond diameter. In some such examples, the method includes rotating athird pipette arm of the third pipetting mechanism along a third path oftravel over a container outside of the first diameter and the seconddiameter and over a third vessel of the plurality of vessels.

In some examples, the method includes rotating the second carousel in aplurality of intervals, each interval comprising an advancement and astop. In some such examples, the method includes rotating the secondcarousel approximately 90° during the advancement of one of theintervals. In some examples, the method includes idling the secondcarousel during the stop of one of the intervals, a duration of the stopbeing greater than a duration of an advancement of the interval.

In some examples, the method includes accessing a first vessel on thesecond carousel with the first pipetting mechanism, rotating the secondcarousel in a plurality of intervals, and rotating the second carouselfor two or more intervals for the first pipetting mechanism to access asecond vessel, the second vessel being physically adjacent to the firstvessel.

In some examples, the method includes rotating the first carousel in aplurality of intervals, each interval comprising an advancement and astop. In some such examples, the method includes rotating the firstcarousel approximately 180° during the advancement of one of theintervals, a duration of the advancement being about one second of theinterval.

In some examples, the method includes activating a servo motor to rotateone or more of the first carousel or the second carousel.

Turning now to the figures, a portion of an example automated diagnosticanalyzer 100 is shown in partially exploded views FIGS. 1 and 3 , and anassembled example analyzer 100 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 . The exampleanalyzer 100 includes a first carousel 102 and a second carousel 104. Asshown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the first carousel 102 and the second carousel104 are rotatably coupled to a base station 106 independent of eachother. The base station 106 houses different subassemblies and othercomponents used for testing (e.g., performing diagnostic analyses) suchas, for example, wash fluid, bulk reagents, a vacuum source, a pressuresource, a refrigeration system, temperature sensors, a processor,motors, etc.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the second carousel 104 isvertically spaced above the first carousel 102, and at least a portionof the second carousel 104 is disposed over (e.g., above, on top of) thefirst carousel 102. In the illustrated examples, the first carousel 102is a reagent carousel and the second carousel 104 is a reaction vesselcarousel. The first carousel 102 is to support multiple reagentcontainers that may store one or more type(s) of reagent(s). The secondcarousel 104 is used for conducting tests on samples. However, in otherexamples, either of the first and/or second carousels 102, 104 may holdreagents, samples, reaction vessels or any combination thereof.

In view of the example analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the base station106 and other components have been removed for a clear view of the firstcarousel 102 and the second carousel 104. In the example shown, thefirst carousel 102 includes a plate having a plurality of slots 103 a-n.In the example shown, the first carousel 102 has a bore 105 (e.g., anopening, an aperture, a hole, etc.). In other examples the firstcarousel 102 may be continuous such that the first carousel 102 does nothave a bore. In the example, shown, each of the slots 103 a-n is to holdone or more containers or a container carrier having one or morecontainers. In the example shown, the second carousel 104 is housedwithin a casing 107. In some examples, the second carousel 104 is areaction carousel, and some diagnostic testing utilize light signals(e.g., during chemiluminescence analysis), and readings during suchtesting are conducted in a dark environment to effectively read lightfrom a reaction. Thus, in some examples, the second carousel 104 isdisposed within the casing 107 to prevent light from interfering withthe readings.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the example analyzer 100. In the example,the first carousel 102 has an outer annular array of containers 108 a-nthat travel along a first annular path 109 and an inner annular array ofcontainers 110 a-n that travel a second annular path 111. The outerannular array of containers 108 a-n and the inner annular array ofcontainers 110 a-n are concentric. Some diagnostic tests involve onereagent and other tests utilize another, different reagent and/or two ormore reagents to react with a given sample/specimen. Therefore, in someexamples, the outer annular array of containers 108 a-n may contain, forexample, a first type of a reagent and the inner annular array ofcontainers 110 a-n may contain, for example, a second type of reagentdifferent than the first type of reagent. Also, in some examples, thetype(s) of reagent(s) within one of the annular arrays 108 a-n, 110 a-nmay be different among the different cartridges within that array.

In some examples, the first carousel 102 has more than two annulararrays of containers (e.g., three, four or more) spaced radially apartfrom one another on the first carousel 102. In some examples, thecontainers are disposed in carriers that are loaded into the slots 103a-n of the first carousel 102. In some examples, each of the carriersmay container one, two, three, four or more containers and, whendisposed on the first carousel 102, define the annular arrays ofcontainers. In some examples, the first carousel 102 includes 72 slots103 a-n to receive up to 72 carriers. In other examples, the firstcarousel 102 may include 45 slots 103 a-n to receive up to 45 carriers.In some examples, each carrier (e.g., a kit) includes a volume oftesting liquid (e.g., reagent) to supply or support about 50 to about1700 tests. Other examples include different numbers of slots, differentnumbers of carriers and different volumes of testing liquids.

In the example shown, the second carousel 104 has a plurality ofreaction vessels 112 a-n disposed around an outer circumference of thesecond carousel 104. In the example shown, the reaction vessels 112 a-nare reusable cuvettes (e.g., washable glass cuvettes). After a test hasbeen completed in one of the reaction vessels 112 a-n, the vessel 112a-n is cleaned (e.g., sterilized), and the vessel 112 a-n may be usedfor another test. However, in other examples, the reaction vessels 112a-n are disposable cuvettes (e.g., plastic cuvettes) that are discardedafter one or more tests. In some examples, the second carousel 104includes an unloading mechanism 113 (e.g., a passive unloader or anactive unloader) for removing the reaction vessels 112 a-n (e.g.,disposable cuvettes) from the second carousel 104. In some examples, theunloading mechanism 113 is positioned such that when one of the reactionvessels 112 a-n is unloaded from the second carousel 104, the unloadedreaction vessel 112 a-n falls through the bore 105 of the first carousel102 and into a waste container or other receptacle disposed within thebase station 106. In some examples, the second carousel 104 includesmore than one unloading mechanism, and the unloading mechanisms may bedisposed in other locations around the second carousel 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front side view of the first carousel 102 and thesecond carousel 104 without the base station and other components. Asshown, the first carousel 102 rotates about a first axis 114 and thesecond carousel 104 rotates about a second axis 116. In the illustratedexample, the first axis 114 and the second axis 116 are substantiallyparallel and offset from each other. However, in other examples, thesecond carousel 104 is disposed over the center of the first carousel102 such that the first axis 114 and the second axis 116 aresubstantially coaxially aligned (e.g., the first carousel 102 and thesecond carousel 104 are concentric).

As illustrated more clearly in FIG. 2 , the first carousel 102 has afirst diameter 118 and the second carousel 104 has a second diameter120. In the example shown, the second diameter 120 is less than thefirst diameter 118. However, in other examples, the second diameter 120is the same as or larger than the first diameter 118. The secondcarousel 104 includes a bore 122 such that the second carousel forms aring-like (e.g., annular) rack for the vessels 112 a-n. As shown in thisexample, the second carousel 104 (e.g., the top carousel) is completelydisposed above and over the first diameter 118 of the first carousel102. In other examples, only a portion of the second diameter 120 ispositioned above the first diameter 118.

In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the first carousel 102 is rotatablycoupled to a top 124 of the base station 106. The analyzer 100 includesa first motor 125 (e.g., a stepper motor or a servo motor) to rotate thefirst carousel 102 on the top 124 of base station 106. In the exampleshown, the analyzer 100 also includes a platform 126 (e.g., a plate, amounting surface, a shield) mounted to the base station 106 via aplurality of legs 128 a, 128 b and disposed between the first carousel102 and the second carousel 104. In other examples, the platform 126 maybe mounted to the base station 106 with other fasteners. The platform126 defines a partition or barrier between the first carousel 102 andthe second carousel 104. In the example shown, the second carousel 104is rotatably mounted to the platform 126. However, in other examples,the second carousel 104 may be rotatably supported on the base station106 without the mounting platform 126. The second carousel 104 isrotated via a second motor 127 (e.g., a stepper motor or a servo motor).In the example shown, the first and second carousels 102, 104 may berotated clockwise and/or counter-clockwise, depending on the schedulingprotocols for the particular testing.

The example automated diagnostic analyzers disclosed herein also includeone or more pipetting mechanisms (e.g., probe arms, automated pipettes,etc.). In the illustrated examples shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the analyzer 100includes a first pipetting mechanism 130 that is coupled (e.g., mounted)to the platform 126. The first pipetting mechanism 130 is coupled to theplatform 126 above the first carousel 102 and within the bore 122 of thesecond carousel 104 (i.e., within the first diameter 118 of the firstcarousel 102 and within the second diameter 120 of the second carousel104). In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism 130 is offsetfrom the second axis 116 (e.g., the center of the second carousel 104).However, in other examples the first pipetting mechanism 130 is alignedwith the second axis 116. The first pipetting mechanism 130 has multipledegrees of freedom. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism130 has a first probe arm 132 that moves in a first path of travel(e.g., along a horizontal arc) 134 and aspirates/dispenses fluid througha first pipette 136 located at a distal end of the first probe arm 132.The first pipetting mechanism 130 is also movable in the Z direction(e.g., the vertical direction).

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the first pipetting mechanism 130 accessescontainers on the first carousel 102 through a first access port 138,which may be for example, an opening, an aperture, a hole, a gap, etc.formed in the platform 126. In operation, the first pipetting mechanism130 moves the first probe arm 132 along the first path of travel 134(e.g., rotates or pivots clockwise) until the first pipette 136 isaligned above the first access port 138. The first path of travel 134may be circular, semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. Thefirst pipetting mechanism 130 then moves vertically downward until thefirst pipette 136 accesses a container on the first carousel 102 toaspirate/dispense liquid (including, for example, microparticlescontained in the liquid) from the container. In the example shown, thefirst pipetting mechanism 130 and the first access port 138 arepositioned to allow the first pipetting mechanism 130 to aspirate from acontainer disposed on the first carousel 102 below the first access port138. The first carousel 102 holds the outer annular array of containers108 a-n and the inner annular array of containers 110 a-n, which may be,for example, first reagents used in a diagnostic test and secondreagents used in the diagnostic test, respectively. In the illustratedexample, the first pipetting mechanism 130 is positioned (e.g., aligned)to aspirate fluid from a container of the inner annular array ofcontainers 110 a-n on the first carousel 102. As shown, the innerannular array of containers 110 a-n rotate along the second annular path111, which intersects with the first access port 138 and, thus, thesecond path of travel 134. In the example shown, a silhouette of acarrier, having two containers (e.g., an outer annular container and aninner annular container), is depicted near the first access port 138 toillustrate the interaction of the containers, the first access port 138and/or the first path of travel 134.

After aspirating fluid from the appropriate container on the firstcarousel 102, the first pipetting mechanism 130 moves vertically upwardand moves the first probe arm 132 along the first path of travel 134(e.g., rotates or pivots clockwise) until the first pipette 136 is atpoint A, at which point the first pipette 136 is aligned vertically overone of the plurality of vessels 112 a-n on the second carousel 104. Insome examples, the first pipetting mechanism 130 dispenses the liquid(e.g., the liquid including any microparticles aspirated from acontainer on the first carousel 102) into the vessel 112 a-n on thesecond carousel 104 at this position (e.g., the height at which thefirst pipette 136 travels along the first path of travel 134). In otherexamples, the first pipetting mechanism 130 moves vertically downwardtoward the second carousel 104 and dispenses the liquid into the vessel112 a-n on the second carousel 104. In the illustrated example, thefirst pipetting mechanism 130 has only one access point, the firstaccess port 138, for accessing containers on the first carousel 102disposed below. However, in other examples, the platform 126 includesmultiple access ports along the first path of travel 134 such that thefirst pipette 136 can access additional areas on the first carousel 102.In some examples, multiple annular arrays of containers (e.g., an innerarray and an outer array or an inner array, a middle array and an outerarray) are disposed on the first carousel 102 at different radialdistances (e.g., along the slots 103 shown in FIG. 1 ) and, thus,multiple access points along the first path of travel 134 allow thefirst pipetting mechanism 130 to access these containers as neededand/or desired.

In the example shown, the analyzer 100 includes a second pipettingmechanism 140 that is coupled (e.g., mounted) to the platform 126. Thesecond pipetting mechanism 140 is coupled to the platform 126 above thefirst carousel 102 and next to (e.g., adjacent) the second carousel 104(i.e., within the first diameter 118 of the first carousel 102 andoutside of the second diameter 120 of the second carousel 104). In theexample shown, the second pipetting mechanism 140 is offset from thefirst axis 114 of the first carousel 102. However, in other examples,the second pipetting mechanism 140 is aligned with the first axis 114 ofrotation. The second pipetting mechanism 140 has multiple degrees offreedom. In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism 140 has asecond probe arm 142 that moves along a second path of travel 144 (e.g.,rotates or pivots along a horizontal arc) to aspirate/dispense fluidthrough a second pipette 146 disposed at a distal end of the secondprobe arm 142. The second path of travel 144 may be circular,semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. The second pipettingmechanism 140 is also movable in the Z direction (e.g., the verticaldirection).

In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism 140 accessescontainers on the first carousel 102 through a second access port 148formed in the platform 126. In operation, the second pipetting mechanism140 moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the second probe arm 142 along thesecond path of travel 144 until the second pipette 146 is aligned abovethe second access port 148. The second pipetting mechanism 140 thenmoves vertically downward for the second pipette 146 to access acontainer on the first carousel 102. In the example shown, the secondpipetting mechanism 140 and the second access port 148 are positioned toallow the second pipetting mechanism to aspirate from a containerdisposed on the first carousel 102 below the second access port 148. Asmentioned above, the first carousel 102 includes the outer annular arrayof containers 108 a-n and the inner annular array of containers 110 a-n,which may be, for example, reagents used first in a diagnostic test andreagents used second in the diagnostic test. In the illustrated example,the second pipetting mechanism 140 is positioned (e.g., aligned) toaspirate liquid including any microparticles from the outer annulararray of containers 108 a-n on the first carousel 102. As shown, theouter annular array of containers 108 a-n rotate along the first annularpath 109, which intersects with the second access port 148 and, thus,the second path of travel 144. In the example shown, a silhouette of acarrier, having two containers (e.g., an outer annular container and aninner annular container), is depicted near the second access port 148 toillustrate the interaction of the containers, the second access port 148and/or the second path of travel 144.

After aspirating liquid and any associated microparticles from theappropriate container on the first carousel 102, the second pipettingmechanism 140 moves vertically upward and moves (e.g., rotates orpivots) the second probe arm 142 counter-clockwise along the second pathof travel 144 until the second pipette 146 is at point B, at which pointthe second pipette 146 is aligned vertically over one of the pluralityof vessels 112 a-n on the second carousel 104. In some examples, thesecond pipetting mechanism 140 dispenses the liquid (e.g., the liquidincluding any microparticles aspirated from a container on the firstcarousel 102) into the vessel 112 a-n on the second carousel 104 at thisposition (e.g., the height at which the second pipette 146 travels alongthe second path of travel 144). In other examples, the second pipettingmechanism 140 moves vertically downward toward the second carousel 104and dispenses the liquid into the vessel 112 a-n on the second carousel104. In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism 140 hasone access point, the second access port 148, for accessing containerson the second carousel 104 disposed below. However, in other examples,the platform 126 includes multiple access ports along the second path oftravel 144 such that the second pipette 146 can access additional areason the first carousel 102. In some examples, multiple annular arrays ofcontainers (e.g., an inner array and an outer array or an inner array, amiddle array and an outer array) are disposed on the first carousel 102at different radial distances and, thus, multiple access points alongthe second path of travel 144 will allow the second pipetting mechanism140 to access the containers as needed.

In the illustrated examples, the analyzer 100 includes a third pipettingmechanism 150. In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism 150is coupled to the platform 126. In other examples, the third pipettingmechanism 150 may be coupled to the top 124 of the base station 106. Inthe example shown, the third pipetting mechanism 150 is disposed outsideof the first diameter 118 of the first carousel 102 and outside of thesecond diameter 120 of the second carousel 104. However, in otherexamples, the third pipetting mechanism 150 is disposed within the firstdiameter 118 of the first carousel 102. In the example shown, the thirdpipetting mechanism 150 is mounted at a level above the first carousel102. Specifically, the third pipetting mechanism 150 is mounted to theplatform 126 above the first carousel 102.

The third pipetting mechanism 150 has multiple degrees of freedom. Inthe example shown, the third pipetting mechanism 150 has a third probearm 152 that rotates along a third path of travel 154 (e.g., ahorizontal arc) to aspirate/dispense liquid (e.g., a sample) through athird pipette 156 at a distal end of the third probe arm 152. The thirdpath of travel 154 may be circular, semicircular, linear or acombination thereof. The third pipetting mechanism 150 is also movablein the Z direction (e.g., the vertical direction).

In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism 150 may be used, forexample, to dispense a sample (e.g., a test sample or a specimen) intoone or more of the vessels 112 a-n on the second carousel 104. In someexamples, test samples are aspirated from sample containers (which maybe in carriers) along the third path of travel 154 of the thirdpipetting mechanism 150. In some examples, test samples are transportedto the rear of the analyzer 100 via a transporter or a positioner, andthe third probe arm 152 moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) along the thirdpath of travel 154 to align the third pipetting mechanism 150 above thesample tubes. After aspirating a sample from a sample tube, the thirdpipetting mechanism 150 moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the third probearm 152 along the third path of travel 154 until the third pipette 156is at point C, where the third pipette 156 is vertically aligned aboveone of the reaction vessels 112 a-n on the second carousel 104. Thethird pipetting mechanism 150 moves vertically downward toward thesecond carousel 104 and dispenses the sample into one of the vessels 112a-n on the second carousel 104.

In the example shown, three pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 areemployed to perform automated testing. However, in other exampleanalyzers, more or fewer automated pipetting mechanisms may be utilized(such as, for example, one, two, four, five, etc.). For example, theremay be a fourth pipetting mechanism, which also may be used to dispensesamples into one of the vessels 112 a-n on the second carousel 104.Also, in some examples, one or more of the pipetting mechanisms mayinclude a double probe to enable the pipetting mechanism to aspiratefrom and/or dispense to two containers and/or vessels simultaneously.For example, with two probes on the third pipetting mechanism 150, thethird pipetting mechanism 150 can dispense a first sample in a firstvessel and a second sample in a second vessel. In addition, in someexamples, the pipetting mechanisms may be located in differentlocations, to perform the steps for analysis. Further, in some exampleanalyzers, the pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 may aspirate frommultiple sources and dispense into multiple locations (e.g., containersand vessels) along their respective paths of travel.

In the example analyzer 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the first and secondpipetting mechanisms 130, 140 have a larger Z direction range (e.g., avertical range or stroke) than pipetting mechanisms in known analyzers,because the first and second pipetting mechanisms 130, 140 is to accessthe containers 108 a-n, 110 a-n on the first carousel 102 at a lowerlevel and the vessels 112 a-n on the second carousel 104 at a higherlevel. Thus, in some examples, the height (e.g., the vertical positionof the tip of the pipette 136, 146) at which the pipettes 136, 146aspirate liquid from the containers 108 a-n, 110 a-n on the firstcarousel 102 is different than the height at which the pipettes 136, 146dispense liquid into the vessels 112 a-n. The example pipette 136, 146tips are positioned at a first height to access the containers 108 a-n,110 a-n on the first carousel 102 and a second height to access thevessels 112 a-n on the first carousel 102, the first height being lower(e.g., closer to the base 106) than the second height. In some examples,each of the probe arms 132, 142 includes a downward or verticallydescending portion 133, 143 to allow the pipetting mechanisms 130, 140to incorporate a standard sized pipette or probe. In such examples, thedownward portion 133, 143 of the probe arms 132, 142 displaces thepipettes or probes further from the probe arms 132, 142 to ensure thepipettes have access into the containers 108 a-n, 110 a-n on the firstcarousel 102. With the downward portions 133, 143, the pipettes are ableto access the bottom of the containers 108 a-n, 110 a-n on the firstcarousel 102 without, for example, the platform 126 blocking a downwardor vertical descent of the probe arms 132, 142. Use of a standard sizepipette or probe, as compared to a longer pipette or probe, reduces theeffects of vibrations (e.g., from the motors, mixers, etc.) on thepipette or probe, resulting in greater operation accuracy.

In some examples, the length of the probe arms 132, 142, 152 and/or thelength of the paths of travel 134, 144, 154 are shorter than the probearms of some known analyzers. The decreased probe arm length of theillustrated examples reduces the effects of vibrations (e.g., from themotors, mixers, etc.) on the pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 becausethe respective pipettes 136, 146, 156 are closer to the base of therespective pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 and, thus, are closer tothe center of mass and are sturdier. The sturdier probes arms 132, 142,152 enable the example pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 to operatewith greater accuracy. The example pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150may also operate with greater speed because there is no need to wait forvibrations to dampen or otherwise subside before operation of thepipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150. In the example shown, the first,second and third pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 include respectivebase assemblies 135, 145, 155. In some examples, the base assemblies135, 145, 155 include drive components and other actuating components tomove the first, second and third probe arms 132, 142, 152 in the Zdirection.

Although the first and second carousels 102, 104 are disclosed herein asbeing a reagent carousel and a reaction carousel, respectively, theteachings of this disclosure may be applied to examples in which eitherthe first carousel 102 and/or the second carousel 104 includes reagents,reaction vessels and/or samples. Thus, the first carousel 102 may be areaction carousel including a plurality of reaction vessels, and thesecond carousel 104 may be a reagent carousel including a plurality ofreagent containers having reagent(s) for reacting with the samples inthe reaction vessels.

In the example shown, the analyzer 100 also includes additional modulesor components for performing different steps in the test process suchas, for example, a mixer for mixing, a light source for lighting thereaction vessels, a reader for analyzing the test samples, a wash zonefor cleaning the vessels, etc. As shown in FIG. 2 , the example analyzer100 includes a reader 158, a plurality of mixers 160 a-d, and a washstation 162 for cleaning the reaction vessels. In some examples, thereaction vessels 112 a-n are cleaned at the wash station 162 at point D.In some examples, the mixers 160 a-d (e.g., in-track vortexers (ITV))are coupled to the platform 126 disposed between the first carousel 102and the second carousel 104, which may, for example, dampen thevibrating effects of the mixers 160 a-d and reduce the influence theyhave on the pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 and other components ofthe analyzer 100. In some examples, the mixers 160 a-d are disposedbeneath the vessels 112 a-n on the second carousel 104. In someexamples, the analyzer 100 includes one or more wash zones coupled tothe platform 126 and disposed along the first, second and/or third pathsof travel 134, 144, 154. In some examples, the pipettes 136, 146, 156are cleaned between aspirating/dispensing functions in the wash zones.

In the example shown, the first and second carousels 102, 104 rotate inintervals or locksteps during a diagnostic test. Each interval has anadvancement step wherein the carousel moves and stop step where thecarousel is idle. Depending on the type of diagnostic test performed,the carousels 102, 104 may have different lockstep times and rotationaldegrees that are traversed during the advancement step. In the exampleshown, the second carousel 104 has total a lockstep time (thecombination of an advancement step and a stop step) of about fourseconds (i.e., the second carousel 104 rotates incrementally to adifferent position about every four seconds). During the advancementstep of the lockstep, the second carousel 104 rotates about 90° (e.g.,about a quarter turn). In other examples, the second carousel 104 mayrotate more or less depending on the scheduling protocols designed forthe specific analyzer and/or for a particular diagnostic testingprotocol. In some examples, the second carousel 104 rotates about 1° toabout 15° during the advancement step of the lockstep. In otherexamples, the second carousel rotates about 15° to about 90° during theadvancement step of the lockstep.

In the example shown, the advancement step may take place during aboutone second of the four second lockstep, and the second carousel 104 mayremain idle (e.g., stationary) for about three second during the stopstep of the lockstep. During these three seconds, the first, second andthird pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 are aspirating and/ordispensing liquids (e.g., simultaneously or in sequence), including anymicroparticles contained therein, and other functional modules areoperating around the carousels 102, 104. Some of the functional modulessuch as, for example, the reader 158, also operate during theadvancement step of a lockstep. Additionally or alternatively, thereader 158 operates during the stop step of a lockstep.

In some examples, the first carousel 102 has a lockstep time of abouttwo seconds. For each lockstep, the first carousel 102 rotates duringone second (e.g., an advancement step) and is idle (e.g., stationary)for one second (e.g., a stop step). The lockstep time for the firstcarousel 102 is half of the lockstep time for the second carousel 104 sothat the first carousel 102 may be repositioned during one lockstep ofthe second carousel 104, and a second reagent can be aspirated from thefirst carousel 102 and dispensed into the second carousel 104 during onelockstep of second carousel 104. For example, a first reagent containeron the outer annular array of containers 108 a-n and a second reagentcontainer on the inner annular array of container 110 a-n may be on thesame radial slot 103 a-n on the first carousel 102. In this example, ifboth reagents are to be used during a single lockstep of the secondcarousel 104, during the first lockstep for the first carousel 102, thesecond pipetting mechanism 140 may aspirate a reagent from the outerannular array of containers 108 a-n. After the second pipette 146 hasleft the container, the first carousel 102 rotates to its secondlockstep position so that the first pipetting mechanism 130 can aspirateits desired reagent from the inner annular array of container 110 a-nduring the same lockstep of the second carousel 104. In some examples,depending on the location of the pipetting mechanisms, the firstcarousel 102 is rotated approximately 180° to the next position so thenext pipetting mechanism can aspirate and dispense in accordance withthe testing protocol. Thus, both the first and second pipettingmechanisms 130, 140 can aspirate from containers in any of the slots 103a-n of the first carousel 102 in one lockstep of the second carousel104. In addition, in some examples, the first and second pipettingmechanisms 130, 140 may interact with the first carousel 102 during thestop step portion of the lockstep of the first carousel 102 while thesecond carousel 104 rotates in the advancement step of the lockstep ofthe second carousel 104.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example analyzer 500 with an alternativeconfiguration of carousels and pipetting mechanisms. In this example,the analyzer 500 includes a first carousel 502 and a second carousel 504that are each rotatably coupled to a base 506. The second carousel 504is disposed above and over the first carousel 502. The first carousel502 may be, for example, a reagent carousel having a plurality ofreagent containers and the second carousel 504 may be, for example, areaction carousel having a plurality of reaction vessels.

In the example shown, the first carousel 502 has an outer annularsection 508 for containers and an inner annular section 510 forcontainers. In some examples, containers on the outer annular section508 may be, for example, reagent containers that hold a first reagent tobe used in a first step in a test process, and containers on the innerannular section 510 may be, for example, reagent containers that hold asecond reagent to be used either in a second step in the test processand/or in a second test process different than the first.

As shown, the first carousel 502 has a first bore 512 and a firstdiameter 514, and the second carousel 504 has a second bore 516 and asecond diameter 518. In this example, a center of the second carousel504 is offset from a center of the first carousel 502 and within thefirst diameter 516 (i.e., the second carousel 504 is disposed verticallyabove the first carousel 502 and positioned within the outer bounds ofthe first carousel 502).

The analyzer 500 includes a first pipetting mechanism 520 disposedwithin the first diameter 514 of the first carousel 502 and within thesecond diameter 518 of the second carousel 504. In the example shown,the first pipetting mechanism 520 is also disposed within the first bore512 of the first carousel 502 and the second bore 516 of the secondcarousel 504. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism 520 ismounted to the base 506. In other examples, the first pipettingmechanism 520 is mounted to a platform disposed between the firstcarousel 502 and the second carousel 504. In the example shown, thefirst pipetting mechanism 520 moves in the Z direction (e.g.,vertically) and rotates or otherwise moves to aspirate/dispense liquidincluding liquids that have microparticles within a first probe armradius or range of motion 522. The first probe arm radius 522 is capableof extending over a portion of the inner annular section 510 of thefirst carousel 502 and over a portion of the second carousel 504 suchthat the first pipetting mechanism 520 is able to aspirate/dispensefrom/to containers or vessels disposed on the inner annular section 510of the first carousel 502 and/or containers or vessels on disposed onthe second carousel 504. Thus, the first pipetting mechanism 520 may beused, for example, to aspirate a reagent from a container on the firstcarousel 502 and dispense the reagent into a reaction vessel on thesecond carousel 504.

The analyzer 500 includes a second pipetting mechanism 524 disposedoutside the first diameter 514 of the first carousel 502 and outside ofthe second diameter 518 of the second carousel 504. In some examples,the second pipetting mechanism 524 is mounted to the base 506. In otherexamples, the second pipetting mechanism is mounted to a platformdisposed between the first carousel 502 and the second carousel 504. Thesecond pipetting mechanism 524 moves in the Z direction (e.g.,vertically) and rotates or otherwise moves to aspirate/dispense fluidwithin a second probe arm radius or range of motion 526. As shown, thesecond probe arm radius 526 extends over a portion of the outer annularsection 508 of the first carousel 502 and a portion of the secondcarousel 504 such that the second pipetting mechanism 524 is able toaspirate/dispense from/to containers or vessels disposed on the outerannular section 508 of the first carousel 502 and/or containers orvessels on disposed on the second carousel 504. Thus, the secondpipetting mechanism 524 may be used, for example, to aspirate a reagentfrom a container on the first carousel 502 and dispense the reagent intoa reaction vessel on the second carousel 504.

The example analyzer 500 includes a third pipetting mechanism 528disposed outside the first diameter 514 of the first carousel 502 andoutside of the second diameter 518 of the second carousel 504. In someexamples, the third pipetting mechanism 528 is mounted to the base 506.In other examples, the third pipetting mechanism 528 is mounted to aplatform disposed between the first carousel 502 and the second carousel504. The third pipetting mechanism 528 moves in the Z direction (e.g.,vertically) and rotates or otherwise moved to aspirate/dispense fluidwithin a third probe arm radius 530. As shown, the third probe armradius or range of motion 530 extends over a portion of the outerannular section 508 of the first carousel 502, a portion of the secondcarousel 504, and a region outside of the base 506 of the analyzer 500.The third pipetting mechanism 528 may be used, for example, to aspiratesample from a test sample tube disposed outside of the base 506 (e.g.,from another portion of the analyzer 500) and to dispense the sampleinto a container or vessel on the second carousel 504.

In the example shown, the inner annular section 510 and the outerannular section 508 are formed in the same carousel 502 and, thus,rotate together. However, in other examples, the inner annular section510 and the outer annular section 508 may be separate carousels that areindependently rotatable in either direction.

As shown, the first, second and third pipetting mechanisms 520, 524, 528are disposed within the first and second diameters 514, 518 and/or inthe corners of the base 506. In addition, the first carousel 502 andsecond carousel 504 are stacked. Thus, the footprint of the exampleanalyzer 500 is less than an analyzer with coplanar carousels.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example processing system 600 for usewith an automated diagnostic analyzer such as, for example, theanalyzers 100, 500 disclosed above. The example processing system 600includes a station/instrument controller 602, which controls theinstruments and mechanisms used during a diagnostic test. In the exampleshown, the station/instrument controller 602 is communicatively coupledto instruments 604 a-n. The instruments 604 a-n may include, forexample, components of the example analyzer 100 disclosed aboveincluding the first pipetting mechanism 130, the second pipettingmechanism 140, the third pipetting mechanism 150, the ITVs 160 a-d, thewash zone 162 and/or the reader 158. The example processing system 600includes an example processor 606 that operates the station/instrumentcontroller 602 and, thus, the instruments 604 a-n in accordance with aschedule or testing protocol as disclosed herein.

The example processing system 600 also includes a carousel controller608, which controls one or more carousels of the analyzer. In theexample shown, the carousel controller 608 is communicatively coupled toa first carousel 610 and a second carousel 612. The first carousel 610and the second carousel 612 may correspond, for example, to the firstand second carousels 102, 104 disclosed above in connection with theexample analyzer 100. The carousel controller 608 controls the rotationof the first and second carousels 610, 612, such as, for example, usinga motor (e.g., the motors 125, 127 disclosed in connection with theanalyzer 100). Also, the example processor 606 operates the carouselcontroller 608 and, thus, the carousels 610, 612 in accordance with aschedule or testing protocol.

The example processing system 600 also includes a database 614 that maystore information related to the operation of the example system 600.The information may include, for example, the testing protocol, reagentidentification information, reagent volume information, sampleidentification information, position information related to a position(e.g., reaction vessel, lockstep and/or rotation) of a sample, statusinformation related to the contents and/or position of a reactionvessel, pipette position information, carousel position information,lockstep duration information, etc.

The example processing system 600 also includes a user interface suchas, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI) 616. An operator ortechnician interacts with the processing system 600 and, thus, theanalyzer 100, 500 via the interface 616 to provide, for example,commands related to the testing protocols, information related to thesamples to be tested, information related to the reagents or otherfluids to be used in the testing, etc. The interface 616 may also beused by the operator to obtain information related to the status and/orresults of any testing completed and/or in progress.

In the example shown, the processing system components 602, 606, 608,614 are communicatively coupled to other components of the examplesystem 600 via communication links 618. The communication links 618 maybe any type of wired connection (e.g., a databus, a USB connection,etc.) and/or any type of wireless communication (e.g., radio frequency,infrared, etc.) using any past, present or future communication protocol(e.g., BLUETOOTH®, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.). Also, the components of theexample system 600 may be integrated in one device or distributed overtwo or more devices.

While an example manner of implementing the analyzers 100, 500 of FIGS.1-5 is illustrated in FIG. 6 , one or more of the elements, processesand/or devices illustrated in FIG. 6 may be combined, divided,re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way.Further, the example station/instrument controller 602, the exampleinstruments 604 a-n, the example processor 606, the example carouselcontroller 608, the example first carousel 610, the example secondcarousel 612, the example database 614, the example graphical userinterface 616 and/or, more generally, the example processing system 600of FIG. 6 may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware and/or anycombination of hardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, for example,any of the example station/instrument controller 602, the exampleinstruments 604 a-n, the example processor 606, the example carouselcontroller 608, the example first carousel 610, the example secondcarousel 612, the example database 614, the example graphical userinterface 616 and/or, more generally, the example processing system 600could be implemented by one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logiccircuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integratedcircuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)) and/or fieldprogrammable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)). When reading any of theapparatus or system claims of this patent to cover a purely softwareand/or firmware implementation, at least one of the examplestation/instrument controller 602, the example instruments 604 a-n, theexample processor 606, the example carousel controller 608, the examplefirst carousel 610, the example second carousel 612, the exampledatabase 614 and/or the example graphical user interface 616 is/arehereby expressly defined to include a tangible computer readable storagedevice or storage disk such as a memory, a digital versatile disk (DVD),a compact disk (CD), a Blu-ray disk, etc. storing the software and/orfirmware. Further still, the example processing system 600 of FIG. 6 mayinclude one or more elements, processes and/or devices in addition to,or instead of, those illustrated in FIG. 6 , and/or may include morethan one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes anddevices.

A flowchart representative of an example method 700 for implementing theanalyzers 100, 500 and/or the processing system 600 of FIGS. 1-6 isshown in FIG. 7 . In this example, the method may be implemented asmachine readable instructions comprising a program for execution by aprocessor such as the processor 912 shown in the example processorplatform 900 discussed below in connection with FIG. 9 . The program maybe embodied in software stored on a tangible computer readable storagemedium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a digitalversatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk, or a memory associated with theprocessor 912, but the entire program and/or parts thereof couldalternatively be executed by a device other than the processor 912and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although theexample program is described with reference to the flowchart illustratedin FIG. 7 , many other methods of implementing the example analyzers100, 500 and/or processing system 600 may alternatively be used. Forexample, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/orsome of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.

As mentioned above, the example process 700 of FIG. 7 may be implementedusing coded instructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readableinstructions) stored on a tangible computer readable storage medium suchas a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), acompact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a cache, arandom-access memory (RAM) and/or any other storage device or storagedisk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extendedtime periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarilybuffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, theterm tangible computer readable storage medium is expressly defined toinclude any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage diskand to exclude propagating signals. As used herein, “tangible computerreadable storage medium” and “tangible machine readable storage medium”are used interchangeably. Additionally or alternatively, the exampleprocess 700 of FIG. 7 may be implemented using coded instructions (e.g.,computer and/or machine readable instructions) stored on anon-transitory computer and/or machine readable medium such as a harddisk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a compact disk, adigital versatile disk, a cache, a random-access memory and/or any otherstorage device or storage disk in which information is stored for anyduration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, for briefinstances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of theinformation). As used herein, the term non-transitory computer readablemedium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readabledevice or disk and to exclude propagating signals. As used herein, whenthe phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in a preamble of aclaim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” isopen ended.

FIG. 7 illustrates the example process 700 for diagnostic testing, whichmay be implemented, for example, by the example analyzers 100, 500and/or the processing system 600 disclosed herein. The example process700 of FIG. 7 is described from the perspective of the operations for asingle reaction vessel as the reaction vessel rotates on a carousel ofan analyzer throughout multiple locksteps. However, the example process700 is repeatedly implemented simultaneously and/or in sequence formultiple reaction vessels. The example diagnostic testing may be, forexample, a clinical chemistry test. The example analyzer 100 disclosedabove includes a reaction carousel (e.g., the second carousel 104)having a plurality of reaction vessels. In some examples, the reactioncarousel has 187 reaction vessels (e.g., glass cuvettes) spaced aroundthe outer circumference of the second carousel. The reaction carouselrotates in locksteps (e.g., discrete intervals). Each lockstep, thereaction carousel is rotated about a quarter (e.g., 90°) rotation in thecounterclockwise direction. In this example, in each lockstep, thereaction carousel rotates (e.g., via a motor) for one second and remainsidle (e.g., stationary) for three seconds.

In the example process 700, the number of complete rotations of thereaction carousel is represented by the variable X, which is set to 0 atthe beginning of the example process 700, and a predetermined timing ofa function or test operation to be performed is represented by N1, N2,N3 and N4. In particular, in this example, N1, N2, N3 and N4 areintegers that represent numbers of elapsed locksteps to be used totrigger the performance of a respective function or test operation. Inother words, when N1 locksteps have elapsed or completed, a firstfunction or test operation may be performed, when N2 lockstep haveelapsed or completed, a second function or test operation may beperformed and so on. As mentioned above, the reaction carousel has alockstep rotation that is slightly more than a quarter turn. In someexamples, the rotation is such that after four locksteps, or one fullrotation, a given reaction vessel will be indexed one position pastwhere the reaction vessel was in the previous rotation.

The example process includes lockstep_(4X+1) (block 702). At thebeginning, when a full rotation has not yet occurred, X is zero, andthis is the first lockstep (i.e., lockstep_((4*0)+1)). In this firstlockstep, a function is performed on the reaction vessel if 4X+1=N1(block 704). As noted above, N1 represents the timing or lockstep atwhich a specific function or test operation is performed in connectionwith the reaction vessel. For example, in the example analyzer 100disclosed above, the third pipetting mechanism 150 is disposed near thereaction carousel 104 and is to dispense a sample into a reaction vesselat point C. In some examples, the first lockstep of a given test in agiven reaction vessel occurs when the reaction vessel is at point C.Therefore, the function of dispensing sample, N1, may be set to 1, suchthat if this is the first lockstep (block 704) for the reaction vessel,the function is performed (block 706) (i.e., sample is dispensed intothe reaction vessel) because 4X+1=N1 (e.g., (4*0)+1=1). In subsequentrotations, wherein N1 continues to be set to 1, and X is not zero, thereaction vessel is idle (block 708) and, for example, no functions areperformed on the reaction vessel by the operator or robotic mechanismsof the example analyzer 100, 500 at this lockstep because 4X+1≠N1 (e.g.,(4*1)+1≠1). Thus, in this example, if the function is to occur only atthe first lockstep (e.g., dispensing a sample), then the example systemwill sit idle during each subsequent occurrence of a first lockstepduring subsequent rotations (e.g., when X>1) until, for example, thereaction vessel is washed and ready for a subsequent test and X is resetto zero for the subsequent implementation of the example process 700.

The example process 700 includes advancing to the next lockstep (block710) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents of any reaction vesselpassing the reader. As mentioned above, the reaction carousel rotatesabout a quarter rotation every lockstep. In some examples, the reactioncarousel is rotated for about one second of the four second locksteptime. During the advancement in this lockstep, about a quarter of thereaction vessels on the reaction carousel are passed in front of ananalyzer (e.g., the analyzer 158) where the contents of the reactionvessels are analyzed. During the first few locksteps, all or most of thereaction vessels may be empty. However, in some examples, the readercontinues to read, even if the data acquired is not used. By readingduring every lockstep, the reader acquires a full range of readingsduring each reaction as the reactions are taking place. In otherexamples, the reader may delay reading for a predetermined amount oftime and/or after a predetermined number reaction vessels are filledwith sample and/or reagent.

The example process includes lockstep_(4X+2) (block 712). Assuming onefull rotation has not yet occurred, X is zero and this is the secondlockstep (i.e., lockstep_((4*0)+2)). During this second lockstep, asecond function or test operation may be performed in connection withthe reaction vessel if 4X+2=N2 (block 714). Similar to N1, N2 representsthe specific timing of a specific function or test operation to beperformed in connection with the reaction vessel. For example, in theexample analyzer 100 disclosed above, the second pipetting mechanism 140is disposed near the second carousel 104 and dispenses a first reagentinto reaction vessels at point B. In some examples, the first carousel102 includes an outer annular array of containers such as, for example,reagents used for first reagent. The second pipetting mechanism 140aspirates from one of the containers on the outer annular array ofcontainers and dispenses the liquid into a reaction vessel on the secondcarousel 104 at point B. In some examples, a reagent is to be dispensedinto a reaction vessel during the second lockstep, wherein the firstlockstep included adding sample to that reaction vessel. Therefore, forthe function of dispensing a first reagent, N2 may be set to 2, suchthat if this is the second lockstep (block 714) for the reaction vessel,the function is performed (block 716), and a first reagent is dispensedinto the reaction vessel (block 716) because 4X+2=N2 (e.g., (4*0)+2=2).If X is not zero such as, for example, during subsequent rotations, thenthe reaction vessel is idle (block 718) and, for example, no functionsare performed on the reaction vessel by the operator or roboticmechanisms of the example analyzer 100, 500 at this lockstep because4X+2≠N2 (e.g., (4*1)+2≠2). Thus, in this example, if the function is tooccur only at the second lockstep (e.g., dispensing a first reagent),then the example system will sit idle during each subsequent occurrenceof a second lockstep during subsequent rotations until, for example, thereaction vessel is washed and ready for a subsequent test and X is resetto zero for the subsequent implementation of the example process 700.

The example process 700 includes advancing to the next lockstep (block720) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents the reaction vessel.During the advancement in this lockstep, about a quarter of the reactionvessels are passed in front of an analyzer (e.g., the analyzer 158)where the contents of the reaction vessels are analyzed.

The example process includes lockstep_(4X+3) (block 722). Assuming onefull rotation has not yet occurred, X is zero and this is the thirdlockstep (i.e., lockstep_((4*0)+3)). During this third lockstep, a thirdfunction or test operation may be performed in connection with thereaction vessel if 4X+3=N3 (block 724). Similar to N1 and N2, N3represents the specific timing or lockstep of a specific function ortest operation to be performed in connection with the reaction vessel.For example, in the example analyzer 100 disclosed above, a firstpipetting mechanism 130 is disposed within the second diameter 120 ofthe second carousel 104 and is to dispense a second reagent intoreaction vessels on the second carousel 104 point A. In some examples,the first carousel 102 includes an inner annular array of containers 110a-n such as, for example, reagents used for a second reagent. The firstpipetting mechanism 130 aspirates from one of the containers on theinner annular array of containers 110 a-n and dispenses the liquid intoa reaction vessel at point A. Therefore, the function of dispensing asecond reagent may be activated for a particular vessel by setting N3 toany number of locksteps. In some examples, a diagnostic test includesadding a sample to a reaction vessel, adding a first reagent to thereaction vessel, and then incubating for a certain amount of time beforedispensing the second reagent. In some examples, N3 can be set to 79,such that the reaction vessel will be at the 79^(th) lockstep, or thirdlockstep of the 19^(th) rotation of a testing (i.e., X=19) when thesecond reagent is added. Assuming each lockstep is about four seconds,the contents of the reaction vessel incubate for about five minutesbefore a second reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel.Therefore, the function of dispensing a second reagent may be triggeredby setting N3 to 79 so that at the 79^(th) lockstep (block 724), thefunction is performed (block 728) and a second reagent is dispensed intothe reaction vessel because 4X+3=N3 (e.g., (4*19)+3=79). If X is not 19such as, for example, during previous rotations or subsequent rotations,then the reaction vessel is idle (block 726) and, for example, nofunctions are performed on the reaction vessel by the operator orrobotic mechanism of the example analyzer 100, 500 at this lockstepbecause 4X+3≠N3 (e.g., (4*0)+379). Thus, in this example, if thefunction is to occur only at the 79^(th) lockstep, i.e., the thirdlockstep of the 19^(th) rotation (e.g., dispensing a second reagent),then the example system will sit idle during each previous andsubsequent occurrence of the third lockstep during previous andsubsequent rotations until, for example, the reaction vessel is washedand ready for a subsequent test and X is reset to zero for thesubsequent implementation of the example process 700.

The example process 700 includes advancing to the next lockstep (block730) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents the reaction vesselsthat pass the reader.

The example process includes lockstep_(4X+4) (block 732). At thebeginning, when a full rotation has not occurred yet, X is zero and thisis the fourth lockstep (i.e., lockstep_((4*0)+4)). (block 732). Duringthis fourth lockstep, another function or test operation may beperformed in connection with the reaction vessel if 4X+4=N4 (block 734).Similar to N1, N2 and N3, N4 represents the specific timing of aspecific function or test operation to be performed on the reactionvessel. For example, in the example analyzer 100 disclosed above, thewash zone 162 is disposed to wash reaction vessels at point D. In someexamples, a reaction vessel is washed after a test has finished in thereaction vessel. Therefore, N4 can be set at any number to trigger thewashing of a vessel. In some examples, a full test of a given sampleoccurs over about 37 full rotations of the carousel. Therefore, N4 maybe set to 152, such that when X=37, the reaction vessel is washed (block738) because 4X+4=N3 (e.g., (4*38)+4=156). If X is not 37 such as, forexample, during the previous 36 rotations, then the reaction vessel isidle (block 736) and, for example, no functions are performed on thereaction vessel by the operator or any robotic mechanism of the exampleanalyzer 100, 500 at this lockstep because 4X+4≠N4 (e.g., (4*0)+4≠156).Thus, in this example, if the function is to occur only at the 156^(th)lockstep, i.e., the fourth lockstep of the 37^(th) rotation (e.g.,washing a reaction vessel), then the example system will sit idle duringeach previous occurrence of the fourth lockstep during previousrotations. Once the reaction vessel is washed and ready for a subsequenttest and X is reset to zero for the subsequent implementation of theexample process 700.

As noted above, in some examples, if the reaction vessel is washed(block 740), the process 700 ends (block 742) and may start over with aclean reaction vessel for a subsequent test. If the diagnostic testingis not complete, the reaction vessel is idle (block 740), and thereaction carousel advances to the next lockstep (block 744). The exampleprocess includes continuing with lockstep_(4X+1) (block 702), where “1”has been added to X because one full rotation has occurred. Therefore,the start of the second rotation, i.e., the first lockstep of the secondrotation will be the fifth lockstep (i.e., lockstep_((4*1)+1)) (block702). This process 700 may continue as many times as determined by thetesting protocols and scheduling sequences.

Additionally, this example is viewed from the perspective of onereaction vessel progressing through a diagnostic test. However, multipleother reactions may be occurring during the same locksteps and may beperformed using this process as well. Although the lockstep triggers N1,N2, N3 and N4 are described above as being associated with adding asample, a first reagent, a second reagent, and a wash zone,respectively, N1-N4 may be associated with any function, test operationor instrument used in diagnostic testing such as, for example, an intrack vortexer (e.g., a mixer), an incubator (e.g., a heat source), etc.Therefore, the process 700 allows a diagnostic test to be customized inregards to the timing and sequencing of the various functions to beperformed in connection with one or more vessels and samples disposedtherein.

Additionally, this example includes functions N1, N2, N3, and N4, forthe respective locksteps during each rotation. However, in otherexamples, more than one function can be arranged at the each lockstepand distinguished by the number of rotations completed. For example, afirst function may be performed during the first lockstep of the firstrotation and a second function may be performed during the fifthlockstep (i.e., the first lockstep of the second rotation).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example timeline 800 that represents the timing ofuse for a number of specific functions performed during a diagnostictest such as, for example, those performed in the example analyzers 100,500 disclosed above. The example analyzer 100 disclosed above includesthe third pipetting mechanism 150 for dispensing sample at point C, thesecond pipetting mechanism 140 for dispensing a first reagent at pointB, the first pipetting mechanism 130 to dispense a second reagent atpoint B, and the wash zone 162 to wash a reaction vessel at point D. Forillustrative purposes, it is assumed that a number of tests are to beperformed sequentially and/or concurrently starting with the firstsample being dispensed into a first reaction vessel at T1. In someexamples, the reaction carousel rotates in discrete locksteps. Everylockstep, the third pipetting mechanism dispenses a sample into areaction vessel at point C 802. As shown, this function continues fromT1 to T7. For example, if 187 tests are to be performed in 187 reactionvessels on the reaction carousel, then the third pipetting mechanismdispenses one sample into each reaction vessel at every lockstep untilall the samples have been dispensed. Therefore, in some examples, T7 mayrepresent the timing of when or the lockstep at which the last sample isdispensed into a reaction vessel.

The example timeline 800 also includes dispensing a first reagent usingthe second pipetting mechanism at point B 804. As mentioned above, insome examples, a first reagent is to be dispensed into a reaction vesselthat was previously at point C (i.e., a reaction vessel including asample). In this example, the second pipetting mechanism beginsdispensing a first reagent to a reaction vessel at point B at time orlockstep T2. In this example, T2 may be one lockstep after the lockstepduring which sample is added to the first reaction vessel. The secondpipetting mechanism continues to dispense the first reagent until T8,which may be, for example, one lockstep after the last sample isdispensed into the last reaction vessel (i.e., once a first reagent hasbeen added to every sample).

The example timeline 800 includes reading 806 the reaction vessels. Insome examples, the reader analyzes the reaction vessels as the reactionvessels pass in front of the reader during the advancement portion ofthe lockstep. Therefore, assuming that each lockstep rotation is a aboutquarter rotation, and the reaction carousel has 187 reaction vessels,about 47 reaction vessels pass in front of the reader during eachlockstep. During the first few locksteps of a diagnostic test, all or amajority of the reaction vessels passing in front of the reader areempty. Therefore, as shown in this example, the reader begins reading attime or lockstep T4, which may be, for example, when the first reactionvessel having a sample and a reagent passes in front of the reader.During every rotation, each reaction vessel is analyzed. In someexamples, a full diagnostic test requires 38 reads and, thus, 38 fullrotations. Therefore, the reader continues to read until T10, which maybe, for example, when the last reaction vessel that was dispensed to hasbeen read 38 times.

The example timeline 800 includes dispensing a second reagent 808, viathe first pipetting mechanism, beginning at time or lockstep T5. In someexamples, a test sample and a first reagent react for a period of timeand then a second reagent is added. To ensure adequate incubation time,the second reagent may be dispensed after a set period of time or numberof locksteps, T5. Starting at T5, the first pipetting mechanismdispenses a second reagent into the reaction vessels at point A. Thiscontinues until T9, which may be, for example, when the last reactionvessel reaches point A and, thus, all the reaction vessels have had asecond reagent dispensed therein.

The example timeline 800 also includes a wash at point D 810. In theexample analyzer 100, the wash zone 162 washes reaction vessels at pointD. As mentioned above, some reactions may occur over 38 full rotations.After the 38^(th) rotation, the reaction is to be washed out of thereaction vessel. Therefore, the wash begins at T6, which may be, forexample, the time or lockstep at which the first reaction vessel hascompleted its full 38 rotation testing. The wash 810 continues to washeach vessel until T11, which may be, for example, when the last reactioncompletes its 38 rotation test.

The functions illustrated in FIG. 8 may operate simultaneously as thereaction carousel rotates, and different timing sequencing may bedetermined based on the types of tests to be conducted and the types ofprocedures to be performed. In addition, the functions may operatecontinually. For example, if a first reaction vessel is washed at T7,sample may be dispensed into that first reaction vessel at T8 for asubsequent test, and the remaining functions also may continue.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example processor platform 900 capableof executing the one or more instructions of FIG. 7 to implement one ormore portions of the apparatus and/or systems of FIGS. 1-6 . Theprocessor platform 900 can be, for example, a server, a personalcomputer, a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tabletsuch as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internetappliance, and/or or any other type of computing device.

The processor platform 900 of the illustrated example includes aprocessor 912. The processor 912 of the illustrated example is hardware.For example, the processor 912 can be implemented by one or moreintegrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors or controllers fromany desired family or manufacturer.

The processor 912 of the illustrated example includes a local memory 913(e.g., a cache). The processor 912 of the illustrated example is incommunication with a main memory including a volatile memory 814 and anon-volatile memory 916 via a bus 918. The volatile memory 914 may beimplemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM)and/or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatilememory 916 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desiredtype of memory device. Access to the main memory 914, 916 is controlledby a memory controller.

The processor platform 900 of the illustrated example also includes aninterface circuit 920. The interface circuit 920 may be implemented byany type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, auniversal serial bus (USB), and/or a PCI express interface.

In the illustrated example, one or more input devices 922 are connectedto the interface circuit 920. The input device(s) 922 permit(s) a userto enter data and commands into the processor 912. The input device(s)can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, acamera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, atrack-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

One or more output devices 924 are also connected to the interfacecircuit 920 of the illustrated example. The output devices 924 can beimplemented, for example, by display devices (e.g., a light emittingdiode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystaldisplay, a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a touchscreen, a tactileoutput device and/or a light emitting diode (LED). The interface circuit920 of the illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphicsdriver card, a graphics driver chip or a graphics driver processor.

The interface circuit 920 of the illustrated example also includes acommunication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, amodem and/or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data withexternal machines (e.g., computing devices of any kind) via a network926 (e.g., an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), atelephone line, coaxial cable, a cellular telephone system, etc.).

The processor platform 900 of the illustrated example also includes oneor more mass storage devices 928 for storing software and/or data.Examples of such mass storage devices 928 include floppy disk drives,hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, RAIDsystems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

Coded instructions 932 to implement the method of FIG. 7 may be storedin the mass storage device 928, in the volatile memory 914, in thenon-volatile memory 916, and/or on a removable tangible computerreadable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

The example analyzers 100 and 500 described herein locate a firstcarousel beneath a second carousel, thereby reducing the footprint(e.g., width and length dimensions) of the analyzer. The exampleanalyzers 100 and 500 also locate pipetting mechanisms within thedimensions of the first and/or second carousel to reduce the footprintand distance traveled by the pipetting mechanisms. Additionally, byreducing the footprint of the analyzer, the carousels may be relativelywider (e.g., having a greater diameter) and/or high and, thus, includemore containers (e.g., reagents) to perform more tests.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A diagnostic analyzer comprising: a reagentcarousel rotatable about a first axis of rotation; a reaction carouselvertically spaced from the reagent carousel such that at least a portionof the reaction carousel is disposed over the reagent carousel, thereaction carousel rotatable about a second axis of rotation; a firstpipetting mechanism to aspirate a sample from a sample container anddispense the sample into a reaction vessel disposed on the reactioncarousel, wherein the first pipetting mechanism is rotatable about athird axis of rotation; and a second pipetting mechanism to aspirate areagent from a reagent container disposed on the reagent carousel anddispense the reagent into the reaction vessel disposed on the reactioncarousel.
 2. The diagnostic analyzer of claim 1, wherein the third axisof rotation disposed outside of a circumference of the reagent carouseland outside of a circumference of the reaction carousel.
 3. Thediagnostic analyzer of claim 2, wherein the second pipetting mechanismis rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation, the fourth axis ofrotation disposed within the circumference of the reagent carousel. 4.The diagnostic analyzer of claim 3, wherein the fourth axis of rotationis disposed outside of the circumference of the reaction carousel. 5.The diagnostic analyzer of claim 3, wherein the reagent is a firstreagent and the reagent container is a first reagent container, furtherincluding a third pipetting mechanism to aspirate a second reagent froma second reagent container disposed on the reagent carousel and dispensethe second reagent into the reaction vessel disposed on the reactioncarousel.
 6. The diagnostic analyzer of claim 5, wherein the thirdpipetting mechanism is rotatable about a fifth axis of rotation, thefifth axis of rotation disposed within the circumference of the reagentcarousel and within the circumference of the reaction carousel.
 7. Thediagnostic analyzer of claim 1, further including a reader disposed nearthe reaction carousel to analyze contents of the reaction vessel as thereaction vessel passes the reader.
 8. The diagnostic analyzer of claim7, wherein the reader is disposed within a bore formed by the reactioncarousel.
 9. The diagnostic analyzer of claim 1, wherein the first axisof rotation and the second axis of rotation are parallel to and offsetfrom each other.
 10. A method of operating a diagnostic analyzer, themethod comprising: rotating a reagent carousel relative to a base, thereagent carousel rotatable about a first axis of rotation, the reagentcarousel supporting a plurality of reagent containers; rotating areaction carousel relative to the base, the reaction carousel rotatableabout a second axis of rotation, the reaction carousel supporting aplurality of reaction vessels, the reaction carousel vertically spacedfrom the reagent carousel such at least a portion of the reactioncarousel is disposed over the reagent carousel, wherein rotating thereaction carousel includes rotating the reaction carousel through aplurality of locksteps, each of the locksteps includes an advancementstep and a stop step, wherein, for each of the locksteps, the stop stepis longer than the advancement step; aspirating a sample from a samplecontainer with a first pipetting mechanism and dispensing the sampleinto a reaction vessel disposed on the reaction carousel; and aspiratinga reagent from a reagent container disposed on the reagent carousel witha second pipetting mechanism and dispensing the reagent into thereaction vessel disposed on the reaction carousel.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the reagent is a first reagent and the reagentcontainer is a first reagent container, further including aspirating asecond reagent disposed on the reagent carousel with a third pipettingmechanism and dispensing the second reagent into the reaction vesseldisposed on the reaction carousel.
 12. A method of operating adiagnostic analyzer, the method comprising: rotating a reagent carouselrelative to a base, the reagent carousel rotatable about a first axis ofrotation, the reagent carousel supporting a plurality of reagentcontainers; rotating a reaction carousel relative to the base, thereaction carousel rotatable about a second axis of rotation, thereaction carousel supporting a plurality of reaction vessels, thereaction carousel vertically spaced from the reagent carousel such atleast a portion of the reaction carousel is disposed over the reagentcarousel, wherein rotating the reaction carousel includes rotating thereaction carousel through a plurality of locksteps, each of thelocksteps includes an advancement step and a stop step, and wherein,during the advancement step of each of the locksteps, the reactioncarousel is rotated about 90°; aspirating a sample from a samplecontainer with a first pipetting mechanism and dispensing the sampleinto a reaction vessel disposed on the reaction carousel; and aspiratinga reagent from a reagent container disposed on the reagent carousel witha second pipetting mechanism and dispensing the reagent into thereaction vessel disposed on the reaction carousel.
 13. The method ofclaim 10, further including reading contents of the reaction vessel witha reader disposed adjacent the reaction carousel as the reaction vesselpasses the reader.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the second axisof rotation is parallel to and offset from the first axis of rotation,further including: rotating the first pipetting mechanism about a thirdaxis of rotation, the third axis of rotation disposed outside of acircumference of the reagent carousel and outside of a circumference ofthe reaction carousel; and rotating the second pipetting mechanism abouta fourth axis of rotation, the fourth axis of rotation disposed withinthe circumference of the reagent carousel and outside of thecircumference of the reaction carousel.
 15. A diagnostic analyzercomprising: a reagent carousel rotatably coupled to a base, the reagentcarousel rotatable about a first axis of rotation, the reagent carouselto support a plurality of reagent containers; a reaction carouselrotatably coupled to the base, the reaction carousel rotatable about asecond axis of rotation, the reaction carousel to support a plurality ofreaction vessels, wherein, from a top plan view, the reaction carouselis at least partially disposed within a circumference of the reagentcarousel; a first pipetting mechanism configured to rotate to a firstposition to aspirate a sample from a sample container and rotate to asecond position to dispense the sample into a reaction vessel disposedon the reaction carousel; and a second pipetting mechanism configured torotate to a third position to aspirate a reagent from a reagentcontainer disposed on the reagent carousel and rotate to a fourthposition to dispense the reagent into the reaction vessel disposed onthe reaction carousel.
 16. The diagnostic analyzer of claim 15, whereinthe second pipetting mechanism is rotatable about a third axis ofrotation, the third axis of rotation disposed within the circumferenceof the reagent carousel.
 17. The diagnostic analyzer of claim 15,wherein the reaction carousel has a smaller diameter than the reagentcarousel.
 18. The diagnostic analyzer of claim 15, wherein the secondaxis of rotation is parallel to and offset from the first axis ofrotation.
 19. The diagnostic analyzer of claim 16, further including athird pipetting mechanism that is rotatable about a fourth axis ofrotation, the fourth axis of rotation within a circumference of thereaction carousel.
 20. The diagnostic analyzer of claim 15, wherein thefirst pipetting mechanism has a probe arm and a pipette extendingdownward from a distal end of the probe arm, and wherein the probe armis rotatable to move the pipette along an arcuate path.